Have you ever wondered which skateboard bearings truly live up to the hype—whether you’re chasing top speed, smoothness, or value? Trust me, I’ve been there, asking around at local skateparks and browsing Reddit threads to see what real skaters are saying.
Below, I’ll share what I’ve learned and how to pick the best bearings for your style and budget.
Now, I know that you can buy these online, but I do recommend supporting your local skate shops. Oh, and one more thing: I will be updating this list regularly, so you will see a lot more bearings added to this list as the year rolls on (pun intended).
Key takeaways
- Bones Swiss are considered the “Rolls Royce” of bearings for their premium speed, smoothness, and long-term durability, though they come at a higher cost.
- Bones Reds stand out as the top budget-friendly option, and are by far my go to bearings.
- Bronson Speed Co. G3 strikes a perfect middle ground for a mid-range cost.
- Maintenance matters Regular cleaning and lubrication can dramatically extend bearing life.
- ABEC ratings aren’t something you should focus on.
Below is a quick reference table of these top picks, and then we’ll dive into the details.
Top three options
I’m talking about skateboard bearings—those small, crucial parts that determine how smoothly and quickly your wheels spin. After testing and gettign feedback from the community, I’ve narrowed it down to these three standout options based on speed, durability, and overall skate performance.
The best skateboard bearings of 2025
1. Best premium option
Why I like it 👍
- Ceramic Construction – Lighter and more corrosion-resistant than steel, these bearings accelerate faster and stay smooth for longer.
- Unmatched Durability – With regular cleaning and lubrication, these have outlasted multiple decks for me.
- Top-Tier Feel – Every push feels effortless, almost like you’re floating around the skatepark
Where It falls short 👎
- High Cost – This is the biggest barrier. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
- Extra Maintenance – Dust, water, and grime can compromise their performance, so regular cleaning is a must.
These are Bones Ceramic Bearings, and yeah, they’re pretty pricey. I haven’t snagged a pair myself, but everyone I know swears by them—they’re supposed to last way longer and make you zip around faster.
They’re definitely in the premium category, not just because of the ceramic tech but also their durability. Even though I haven’t tried them personally, the hype is real, and I might throw together a video to show you how they perform.
If you’re looking to level up your game and don’t mind investing a bit more, these could be the bearings that keep your setup running smooth for the long haul.
2. Most popular
Why I like it 👍
- Widely Trusted – Reds are basically a household name in skateboarding. They’ve been a go-to for years.
- Solid Performance – They spin smooth, roll fast, and can handle all sorts of street, park, or ramp skating.
- Easy Maintenance – Pop out the rubber shield, clean, re-lube—no fuss, no big surprises.
Where It falls short 👎
- Not as Durable as Swiss Ceramics – They’ll still last a while, but if you skate every day and rarely clean them, you might see some wear sooner than you’d like.
- Less Prestige – If you crave high-end status, Reds might seem too “common,” but for most of us, they’re a fantastic fit.
Man, I’ve been sticking with Bones REDS forever, and they’re still my go-to bearings. Yeah, they’re a bit on the pricier side, but their reliability is unmatched—you really can’t go wrong here. They’re budget-friendly without skimping on speed, and I love that Bones’ branding is proudly displayed. The shielded design? Super convenient for cleaning and maintenance. Plus, those iconic red bearings just look sick on my board, making it stand out at the park.
I’ve been recommending Bones Reds to friends for years. They’re affordable, but they don’t feel “cheap.”Whether you’re just starting out or you’re experienced but don’t need the absolute fastest bearings on the planet, Reds will get you rolling with confidence.
If you’re on the fence or you just want a reliable set that works for any style—street, park, or transition—it’s hard to go wrong with Reds.
3. Budget friendly
Why I like it 👍
- Great Price Point – They’re cheaper than Reds, but still offer impressive speed and smoothness.
- ABEC 9 Rating – While ABEC doesn’t mean everything, these bearings still roll fast in real-world skate conditions.
- Cool Aesthetic – Bright colors and a wasp logo give them a fresh look. Plus, the packaging often comes with washers and spacers.
Where It falls short 👎
- Less Legacy – They haven’t been around as long as Bones, so some old-school skaters might be skeptical.
- Still Need Maintenance – If you’re skating dusty spots or in bad weather, you’ll have to clean them, just like any other bearings.
I went with the Yellow Jacket bearings because they’re super affordable and deliver great performance without breaking the bank. As Stingers, they’ve built a solid rep, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with them for your daily grind.
They might not be as premium as some ceramic options, but they get the job done every single time. The yellow version? Absolutely killer—that iconic Yellow Jacket Wasp look is just too cool to pass up.
They’re probably the cheapest reliable bearings out there, making them a smart choice if you’re watching your wallet. Though, heads up—the yellow ones are a tad pricier than the black ones, probably because that vibrant color is so sought after. If you’re looking to save some cash, the black bearings are a solid alternative without sacrificing quality.
How to evaluate skateboards
A video titled ‘Cheap Vs Ultra Expensive Bearings (Are they Worth it?)‘ from the Webz YouTube channel.
You might be thinking, “Jedain, with so many skateboard bearings out there, how do you pick the ones worth your time?” Well, let me spill the beans on my evaluation process. It’s not rocket science, but it does require a keen eye and a bit of experience.
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More on Bearings: How I Choose the Good Ones
- Material & Build
- Steel vs. Ceramic – Ceramics (like Bones Swiss Ceramic) are lighter, faster, and more rust-resistant, but they’ll cost you. A good set of steel bearings can be perfectly fine for most skaters.
- Quality Manufacturing – Looser tolerances create more friction. Reputable brands like Bones, or even newcomers like Yellow Jacket, usually have tighter tolerances and better materials.
- Seals & Shields
- Rubber Shields – I prefer removable shields for easy cleaning.
- Labyrinth Seals – Advanced sealing (like you see on Bronson) keeps out dirt better but can sometimes increase cost.
- Lubrication & Break-In
- Pre-Lubed – Most quality bearings come pre-lubed with a friction-reducing formula.
- Break-In – Some bearings feel stiff at first. Skate them for a couple of sessions before judging their true performance.
- Budget vs. Performance
- Bones Swiss Ceramic – Perfect if you want top-tier performance and can swing the price.
- Bones Reds – “Every skater’s fallback,” with a proven track record and moderate cost.
- Yellow Jacket Premium – Excellent for skaters who want to spend even less but still get a smooth, fast ride.
- Maintenance & Care
- Regular Cleaning – Dirt and moisture are your enemies. Clean your bearings whenever they start feeling rough or sounding crunchy.
- Re-Lube – A few drops of skate-specific oil keeps them gliding smoothly over the long haul.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Not necessarily. If you’re new to skating or you don’t need ultra-high speed, Bones Reds or Yellow Jacket bearings will serve you just fine. Bones Swiss Ceramic is for those who crave the absolute best.
It depends on where you skate. Dusty parks or wet streets? Maybe every couple of months. Indoor or super clean spots? You can go longer.
Nope! ABEC is an industrial standard, not a skate-specific measure. A lot of top skate bearings don’t even list ABEC.
Yes, if you’re serious about speed, competition, or you just love premium gear. But if you’re on a strict budget, a good steel bearing (like Reds or Yellow Jacket) will do just fine for casual to intermediate skating.
Bones Swiss Ceramic can last for years with proper care, but well-maintained Reds or Yellow Jackets can also hold up impressively. It’s all about maintenance.
Final thoughts
Skateboard bearings might be small, but they have a huge impact on your ride. Bones Swiss Ceramic is expensive, but if you got the cash, go for it. Bones Reds remain my faveorait. And if you’re pinching pennies, Yellow Jacket Premium bearings are a sweet budget-friendly option that still delivers surprising quality.
At the end of the day, a little maintenance goes a long way. Keep your bearings clean, show them some lube, and they’ll reward you with smooth, fast sessions for months (or even years) to come. So pick your set, treat them right, and enjoy every single push and carve on your board. Happy shredding!
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